Inaugural Taste of Golden Triangle - A Delicious Success!

The official business community newsletter of Tavares
Networking Lunch
Tuesday January 13
Cousin Vinnie’s Family
Sports Restaurant
10700 US Hwy. 441, Leesburg
12-1 PM - Please RSVP
Business After Hours &
Open House
Thursday January 15
FL Hospital Waterman Center
for Women & Children
1000 Waterman Way
4:30-6:30 PM - Please RSVP
Business After Hours
|
January 2015
Inaugural Taste of Golden Triangle - A Delicious Success!
TAVARES – On November 13, 2014 the Tavares and Eustis Chambers of Commerce hosted the Taste of Golden Triangle at the Elks Club in Tavares. This joint venture
featured member restaurants serving delectable tastes of appetizers, entrees and desserts. Alongside these restaurants were member organizations in the community sharing
information about their businesses while attendees strolled through the event.
Some of the participants include:
Participating Food Vendors:
Participating Wine Vendors:
Barnwood Bar-B-Que
Maggie’s Attic
Wine Cellars Uncorked
Beef O'Brady's
Bob Evans
Chick-fil-A
Country Club of Mount Dora
Dahler's Delicious Sweets
Thursday January 22
Dolce Mattina
Country Club of Mount Dora
1900 Country Club Blvd.
Mount Dora
5:00-7:00 PM - Please RSVP
DoubleTake Pizza
Lake Receptions
Oakwood Smokehouse Grill
Business Luncheon
Oyster Troff
Olivia's Coffeehouse & Bistro
Wednesday January 28
Pressed For Time
Tavares Civic Center
100 East Caroline Street
11:30 AM– 1 PM - Please RSVP
The Cajun Quarter
The Cuban Place
Wine Tasting with
Jerome Brouhard
from Maggie’s Attic
Dolce Mattina wins Judges “Best Dessert”
with her scrumptious “Macarons”
Continue on page 6
Business After Hours &
Tavares Chamber 3rd Annual Golf Tournament is set for March 6, 2014
Ribbon Cutting
Thursday February 5
Quantum Insight Wellness
Center
407 E. Alfred Street, Tavares
5:30-7 PM - Please RSVP
Networking Lunch
Tuesday, February 10
Country Club of Mount Dora
1900 Country Club Blvd.
Mount Dora
12-1 PM - Please RSVP
Join the Tavares Chamber of Commerce on March 6 as
they swing into their 3rd Annual Golf Tournament at Chamber member Harbor Hills Country Club, 6538 Lake Griffin Rd, Lady Lake FL
32159
Teams of four can compete for only $225. Individual play
will be only $60. Your entry fee includes 18 holes of golf with a golf
cart, range balls and an afternoon buffet and team prizes.
Hole Sponsors can join the fun for $50. Bring your tent,
table and fun activities to greet the golfers. "My Dad and I had a
terrific time with the sponsors and all the folks - it was great", says
Chuck Hiott from Booth, Ern, Straughan & Hiott, a Civil and
Environmental Engineer and Land Surveyor Company in the
Tavares community.
Continue on page 6
New Year, New Team:
Lake County Economic Development coordinators provide proven results
TAVARES – Lake County’s Economic Development & Tourism (EDT)
Department is hitting the ground running in the new year with the addition of its
northeast coordinator, Erika Greene, who covers the business community from
Astor to Mount Dora.
Greene is no stranger to Lake County, however, having previously worked
for the library system, where she was credited for launching the successful Adult
Literacy Program. In her new role, Greene sees herself as a bridge to developing
partnerships between the county, businesses and job seekers.
“I’m in the community. I’m a face, I’m a connection and I’m a resource for
businesses, the chambers, the cities and the towns, connecting them with
resources and educating them about opportunities,” Greene said. “My niche is
workforce - helping to build and expand existing employee pools and identifying
needs and opportunities to support the local education efforts so they are
producing the job seekers that companies will want to hire.”
Greene joins longtime county employee Paul Simmons, a former Growth
Management planner who’s been serving as South Lake coordinator since 2013.
Most recently, Simmons worked as the liaison between the county, the city of
Clermont and Senninger Irrigation on a deal that would allow for the construction
of a new joint fire station. He has also been instrumental in aiding the expansions
of QuietFlex and Hunt Industrial Park, both located in Groveland.
Adam Sumner, EDT manager and northwest coordinator, covers the
Leesburg area and in 2014 played an integral role in luring major business to Lake
County, such as Wipaire in Leesburg and CaptiveAire in Groveland. Sumner’s
main focus is attracting manufacturing businesses to the area and handling site
selection processes countywide, while also serving as the department’s budget
manager.
“Three years ago, the strategy for this office shifted to business retention
and expansion, and in doing that we had an untested model of putting these
coordinators out on the street and challenging them to build relationships with local
businesses,” said Robert Chandler, Economic Development & Tourism Director.
“We have since become a relied upon source of support within the community,
and our team has been wildly successful due to their experience, dedication and
unique personalities.”
For information on starting, relocating or expanding a business in Lake
County, call Lake County’s Economic Development & Tourism Department at 352742-3918 or visit www.BusinessInLakeFL.com.
Pictured from top: Erika Greene at the Center
for Advanced Manufacturing groundbreaking;
Paul Simmons touring QuietFlex; Adam Sumner with representatives from Metro Orlando
EDC
Central Florida Lake County FOCUS—with Ralph Smith
WLBE AM790
Wednesdays 1:00 to 2:00 PM
Tavares Chamber of Commerce does not necessarily endorse or support advertising materials distributed through the newsletter.
Page 2 Tavares Business Journal
From the Chamber President
Welcome to all of the new officers and board members for 2015 and
thanks to all for a great 2014.
It is an honor and pleasure to
serve as your President. What an exciting time to be part of the Tavares
Chamber!
I hope that you will take advantage of
the many events and services that we
offer and remember to do business
with our Chamber members and partners.
All the best for a prosperous New Year.
Tavares Christmas Parade Winners
TAVARES – On December 6 hundreds of
marchers and thousands
of spectators gathered in
downtown Tavares to
participate in Tavares’
annual Christmas celebration. With the large
number of extraordinary
entries, judging was especially difficult this year.
The 2014 Christmas Parade Winners:
Best Float:
Best Theme:
Most Creative:
Best Youth:
Judge’s Award:
Cub Scout Pack 43
Girl Scout Troop 9595
Paws Therapy Dogs
Tavares High & Middle School Band
Tavares Youth Football
The City would also like to extend thanks to
everyone who embraced this year’s theme of “The
Spirit of Giving.” More than 200 new toys were donated for children in need and two overflowing truckloads of food were collected for Andrew’s Basket food
bank at the Union Congregational Church in Tavares.
Spotlight: New Life Church
1210 N New Hampshire Avenue, Tavares
352-508-9561
Are you looking for
something new? Do you feel
something is missing in your
life? Let us help you find what
you have been waiting for your
entire life.
New Life Church is the
perfect church for those who
aren’t church goers. God is directing us toward a harvest of
souls. He is raising up people
and we are here to help disciple them into Christians, Leaders and Ministers unto God.
We see ourselves as a thriving, multi-cultural, international church, worshipping God in Spirit and in Truth.
When you come and worship with us, you are only a visitor
once. We are proud to be part of the community and want
you to be part of our family.
Please Welcome the 2015 Tavares Chamber
of Commerce Board
Executive Committee:
Janet Noack
United Southern Bank
President
Cheryl Rumbly Cornerstone Hospice
Vice President
Deborah Cahill Home Instead Senior Care Secretary
Kelly Pisciotta Habitat for Humanity
Treasurer
Orin Owen
Owen Associates
Past President
Directors
Debbie Behlmann
Southern Palms RV Resort
Linda J. Bennett
Ameriprise Financial Services
Lou Buigas
Hoity Toity Merchantile
Jacquelyn Coval
Individual Member
T.J. Fish
Lake~Sumter MPO
Beth Ann Gause
Gause and Hargrove
Rick Golab
Florida Hospital Waterman
Dee Johns
Directories Ink
Mary Johnson
Grand Rental Station
Dr. Joe Morreale
The Chiropractic Center
Travis Senning
ALS Landing
Davis Talmage
Merrill Insurance Florida
Ted Wicks
Wicks Engineering Services
Tavares Business Journal Page 3
Judge's Choice
Best Appetizer:
Country Club of Mount Dora
Judge's Choice
Best Entrée:
Barnwood Bar-B-Que
Judge's Choice
Best Dessert:
Dolce Mattina
People's Choice
Best Entrée:
Oyster Troff
People's Choice
Best Appetizer:
Olivia's Coffeehouse & Bistro
Taste
of
Golden Triangle
Chamber
Choice:
Pressed For
Time Café
Page 4
Tavares Business Journal
Best Booth:
Classic Tents &
Events
People's Choice
Best Dessert:
Dahler's Delicious Southern
Sweets
November 26, 2014 Business Luncheon (l to r) Board
Directors T.J. Fish - Lake~Sumter MPO, Dee Johns Directories Ink, Steve Jennelle—BMJ CPA, Speaker Chantel
Buck - New Vision for Independence, President Orin Owen,
Vice President Janet Noack - United Southern Bank and ,
Board Directors Debbie Behlmann - Southern Palms RV
Resort, Lou Buigas - Hoity Toity Mecantile, Cheryl Rumbly Cornerstone Hospice, Beth Ann Gause - Gause & Hargrove
and Executive Director Colleen McGinley.
Posh Glamour Studio ribbon cutting and business after hours on
December 5, 2014.
November Luncheon Sponsors included
Angela Chambliss - The Chiropractic
Center, Jamie Hanja & Associate - Lake
County Historical Society, Vanessa
Mahai & Brian H. Johnson - Cricket
Wireless, Wayne Gattilia - Through The
Years Vintage Market, Chelsea - Bella
Toscana Spa, Rachel Graves - Quality
Indoor Environmental Solutions,
Sharron Kelly - Origami Owl Custom
Jewelry, Stephanie Piermont - Lavender
and Lace Wedding Florist, Katrina &
Joe Peters - Adventure Sports
Management
Cricket Wireless Tavares ribbon
cutting and business
after hours on
November 6, 2014.
Tavares Business Journal Page 5
Taste of Golden Triangle .......continued from page 1
Golf Tournament ......................... continued from page 1
Participating Business Entries
Special events at this
Golf Tournament will include a
Putting Contest, Pro Help on
par 3 hole, Picture Time on a
par 5 hole, Pick a Flag hole,
complimentary adult beverages
and a 50/50 drawing.
Contact: Vinnie Vittoria
(352) 446-1343 or the Tavares
Chamber 352-343-2531 to sign
up. Or check out the insert in
this newsletter. Don't miss the
fun this year at Harbor Hills
Country Club.
We are arranging for
transportation, so stay tuned to Rick Carlson from R Car Automotive the Chamber as this event
a regular at this Golf event.
grows.
For more information on this or any other Tavares
Chamber of Commerce happening, visit TavaresChamber.com
or call 352 343-2531.
Adventure Sports Management
Anytime Fitness
ASK Cleaning
Bella Toscana Spa
BMO Harris Bank
CenterState Bank
Classic Tents & Events
Cobb Tractor
Comcast Business Solutions
Community Health Center
eSportsPhoto
Greater Events
Henn-House Print & Graphics
Home Companions
Joanne Keller, ARNP
Karen Sartele, ReMax
LaRue Kay Salon
Mark's Floors
Origami Owl - Lisa Vining
Plaza Cadillac
Rodan & Fields - Betty Ainslie
Seacoast Bank
Small Business
Development Center
Star Security
TD Bank
Village Framer
United Southern Bank
The Country Club of Mount Dora impressed the
celebrity judges with their Bruchetta to earn Judges
Choice for Best Appetizer at the Inaugural Taste of
Golden Triangle, held in the Elks Lodge. The Taste showcases Chamber of Commerce restaurant members.
Judge's Choice for Best Entrée was awarded to
Barnwood Bar-B-Que and Best Dessert was presented to
Dolce Mattina for their delectable macarons.
People's Choice for Best Appetizer went to
Olivia's Coffeehouse & Bistro for her Spinach Artichoke
Dip with chips. Located on Bay Street in Eustis, Olivia's
is a great meeting place for luncheons or special occasions with a relaxed atmosphere and casual affordable
menu.
The Oyster Troff, also located on Bay Street in
Eustis shucked their finest oysters to impress the attendees and won People's Choice for Best Entrée.
People's Choice for Best Dessert was Dahler's
Delicious Southern Sweets with their scrumptious cupcakes and cookies.
Always a favorite, Pressed for Time, won the
Chamber Choice award. Just completing their move to
525 W. Main Street, Pressed for Time is a great place to
enjoy breakfast or lunch next time you're in Downtown
Tavares.
Classic Tents & Events was definitely everyone's
favorite for Best Booth presentation. Their display dazzled
the attendees.
The event was humming with Cliff Shooker's Jazz
Sounds and the excitement of raffle gifts being selected.
There are still some commemorative wine glasses available for $5 each. Contact the Chamber at 352 343-2531 to
purchase.
Page 6 Tavares Business Journal
TAVARES CHAMBER AMBASSADORS
Co-Chair, Deborah Cahill
Home Instead Senior Care
Co-Chair, Cheryl Rumbley
Cornerstone Hospice
Betty Ainslie
Rodan & Fields
Dermatologists
Independent Consultant
Alan Holden
Midway Baptist Church
Debbie Behlmann
Southern Palms RV Resort
Jennifer Bengtson
Real Estate Savvy
Connie Gay
Dreamland Productions
Rachel Graves
Quality Indoor
Environmental Solutions
Lisa Johnson
EZ Nutrition
Sharon Keith
Mary Kay Cosmetics
Linda King
AFLAC
Mary Rhodes
The Mortgage Firm
Judy Stewart
Law Offices of Judy Stewart
Welcome New Members
AMAC Small Business Solutions
Jeff Smith
407-626-3383
Cuba Pichy's Cuisine
William Arias
352-365-2822
DART Properties
Bobbi Kielt
352-250-1071
Hatfield & Stack, LLC
Nicholas Stack
352-253-2250
Kiku's Japanese Steakhouse
John McKinney
352-463-8288
Membership Renewals
Alliance Pest Management
Dennis Davis
352-742-2388
Lakeside Memory Gardens
Michael Sofka
352-357-3404
Bosshardt & Marzek Plastic Surgery
Amy Jensen
352-742-0079
Lake-Sumter Metropolitan Planning
Organization
T.J. Fish
352-315-0170
Bridges Covenant Church
Eric Filkin
352-343-0917
Bristol Lakes Apartments
Jackie Kelly
352-385-4447
Lakeview Terrace
Suzanne Van Bibber
352-669-3148
Cornerstone Hospice
Cheryl Rumbley
352-343-1341
Mary S. LaMoreaux CPA
352-742-1355
Daily Commercial
Scott Lounsbury
352-365-8200
Merrill Insurance Florida
Davis Talmage
352-383-4147
Mid Florida Lakes
Jade Sohrier
352-589-8300
New Life Church
Lisa Johnson
352-508-9561
Ellrodt Bail Bonds
Jim Ellrodt
352-343-2245
First Baptist Church of Tavares
Rick Fountain
352-343-7131
Nurse Next Door
Colin Cosden
352-609-2035
Gause & Hargrove, PLLC
Laura Hargrove
352-343-7424
Quantum Insight Wellness Center
Angel Volturno
352-301-3460
Harbor Hills Country Club LP
Tom Leimberger
352-753-7000
Regency Park Assisted Living &
Memory Care—Carla Griffin
352-267-1828
The Lake Gazette
Lari Thaw
386-275-0911
Through the Years Vintage Market
Wayne Gattilia
352-508-9727
Victory Casino Cruises
Misty Shimer
321-614-5235
Washo & Modica, P.A.
Stephanie Modica
352-253-2244
Heron Publishing Inc.
Maria Kretschmar
352-596-0209
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites
Michael Vassell
352-742-1600
Jack Eaton Insurance, Inc.
Jack C. Eaton
352-343-8226
Molly Maid
Steve Hoffman
407-877-0184
Mortgage Financial Group Inc
John V. Ardito
352-742-7900
RBM Productions, LLC.
Jim Rast
407-680-2916
Smallwood Sign Company
Pat Smallwood
352-343-3951
Striking Effects Promotions
Vicki Paul
352-589-2255
Tavares Animal Hospital
Cassandra Budd-McGowan
352-343-7793
Tiki Village Mobile Home Park
Joanne Ehler
352-343-4319
Trinity Spa
Mechelle Roach
352-742-4404
US Health Advisors
Patti Labbe
352-455-2644
Vulcan Materials, Inc
Randy Stiles
352-742-2122
Williams, Smith, & Summers, P.A.
Robert Williams
352-343-6655
Ladybug's Gifts & Sundries, Inc.
Angie Hughes
352-253-2255
Tavares Business Journal Page 7
Tavares Chamber of Commerce
300 East Main Street
Tavares, FL 32778
LaRu'e Kay Salon celebrate their new location with a Ribbon Cutting on November 20, 2014 at 9264
Silverado Street, Tavares.